Chapter 10: Reunion

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or High School DxD. The former is owned by Hiro Mashima and the latter is owned by Ichiei Ishibumi.

It has been a month since Natsu and Akeno's last battle. Natsu was almost ready to get back in action after suffering that critical injury to his shoulder. Everybody was beyond shocked when he told them what happened after the battle. How could they believe Akeno just spared him after messing him up that badly? Even so, they were prepping themselves for anything else Grimoire Heart might throw their way. No exceptions. There has been no other activity to be reported by them in the past month.

Natsu was currently resting on his couch with his cast still on and his shouldered bandaged up. It wouldn't be for long though. He would be going to the Doctor's office later to get his cast and bandages off along with the okay to go back on missions. He was very anxious to get back in action and he had to pay the bills somehow since Wendy couldn't work

People from the guild have been coming to visit him everyday to help him out anyway they could. It didn't take Wendy as long to recover and she was currently spending time with Mira. His teammates Levy, Elfman, and Erza have been taking care of him the most. It was mostly Levy that watched over him. She actually spent the night once, but only if Natsu locked his bedroom door, she sleeps in Wendy's bed, and she is handcuffed to Wendy.

Levy is currently finishing up some lunch for her and Natsu in the kitchen.

'I can't wait to get back in action. I've never gone this long without fighting or destroying something. It's so boring to just sit around all day. I can't believe I had to wear this annoying cast this long when it was it was my shoulder that got seriously hurt. I appreciate all the help everyone's been giving me, but I hate to be a burden to them.' Natsu thought.

"Lunch is ready Natsu!" Levy called from the kitchen.

"All right!" Natsu shouted as he sat himself up with his free hand. If there is one thing he is going to miss about recovering, it's having people cook for him.

Levy walked happily over to Natsu with a tray holding a bowl of chicken ramen noodles. Natsu was confused that she only had one bowl.

"Aren't you going to have some?" Natsu raised an eyebrow at her while she sat down next to him while placing the tray on the coffee table.

"Yes, but right I'm going to be busy feeding you like I always do." Levy said.

Natsu sighed."Come on Levy. I feel fine and I'm getting my cast off later. Can't you let me feed myself today." Natsu appreciated her generosity, but it took a lot slower to eat with Levy feeding him

"Don't give me that mister. That right arm is still in a cast and last time I checked you're right-handed." Levy said to Natsu like a mother would to a sick child.

"Ugh. Fair enough." Natsu surrendered.

"Stop ruining this for me." Levy mumbled.

"You say something?" Natsu asked.

"Nope. Now open wide." Levy said cheerfully as she picked up some noodles with chopsticks.

"Aaahhhhh."

Levy popped the noodles in Natsu's mouth and he slurped the rest hanging from his mouth.

"Mmmmmm! Great job once again Levy. I'm gonna miss having you cook for me." Natsu said as he grinned at her.

"Oh. It's no problem. I'm sure you've helped me out more times than I could possibly repay you. This doesn't have to be the last time. I would be happy to come over and cook for you whenever." Levy said while blushing. "Come on. There's plenty more where that came from.

Levy kept feeding Natsu the noodles little by little and was enjoying every moment of it. Once the chicken and noodles were all gone, she slowly fed him the broth with a small spoon. Once she was done feeding him, she went back to the kitchen to bring out her bowl of ramen to eat. She took her time trying to prolong this moment as much as possible. The two conversed a little throughout the meal.

'I should probably seal the deal now. I have been taking care of him for a month and now he's finally all healed up. He has to see me differently by now. Curse that child for blocking my advances! Now's the perfect opportunity. Who knows when that sea hag disguised as a mermaid will show up.' Levy though nervously. Once she finished her lunch she turned to face Natsu .

"Natsu...Before we head to the doctor...I need to talk to you about something." Levy said slowly while staring at Natsu longingly.

Natsu noticed that her arms were slowly closing around him as if she was attempting to prevent him from escaping this situation. Fortunately Natsu jumped back away from the couch to avoid her grasp.

'Shit. that was close.' Natsu thought relieved.

"I'm sorry Levy. Can it wait? I'm really anxious to get my cast and bandages off. I'll race you there!" Natsu said nervously before bolting out the door.

Levy pouted as she saw him run in the distance.

"Damn him and his quick escapes."

Fairy Tail Guild Hall

"I'M BACK!"

Everyone currently at the guild turned to see Natsu standing in the doorway without his cast and bandaged shoulder. He was finally back.

"Natsu!" Multiple people cheered and surrounded Natsu. Everyone was talking at once saying how happy they were to see him.

"Great to see you back to your old self."

"It's been really down here without you."

"You look as good as new."

"NAAATSUUUU!" Wendy squealed as she charged through the crowd and leaped into Natsu's arms. Natsu caught her and gave her a big hug that he couldn't do for a long time. Wendy began to plant small kisses all around his face.

"Hahahaha! Wendy knock it off that tickles!" Natsu said trying to contain his laughter. All of the ladies at Fairy Tail were gushing over how cute the little scene was.

"I'm so glad you're all better Mashu. I love you so so much!" Wendy exclaimed with pure joy while rubbing her face against his like she did when she was four.

Everyone made a path for the Master as he got up from the bar and walked over to Natsu.

"Glad to have you back my boy! Have you made a full recovery?" The Master asked Natsu.

"Sure did. I feel awesome." Natsu exclaimed while setting Wendy down. "Also, I got this cool looking scar now. Check it!" Natsu took part of his vest off to show off the mark on his right shoulder where the halberd had stabbed him. It was a straight line that stopped right above his chest.

"SO MANLY!" Elfman roared at the sight of Natsu's scar.

"Your manly meter just skyrocketed Natsu! It's even better than the scar on your neck." Elfman said as he and Natsu high-fived each other.

"Thanks bro. I had a feeling you would say something like that." Natsu replied.

"It looks so much more manlier than mine." Elfman said pointing out the stitched scar below his right eye. "Anyways let's get this celebration started. Mira and Lisanna keep the drinks coming!

"You got it big brother Elf!" Lisanna cheered happily.

Mira and Lisanna were handing out beer mugs to everyone. Even Natsu decided to have a beer with his best buds instead of his usual mug of fire. Natsu, Elfman, Gajeel, and Gray raised their mugs in honor of Natsu's return.

"To Natsu!" The three members cheered for their buddy's return.

After the four friends downed their drinks it was time to get down to business.

"It's about time you returned Salamander. I've been itching for a brawl these past few weeks." Gajeel challenged Natsu.

"Is that so because that's just what I need right now."

"Hang on Iron Dragon." Elfman interjected. "I can get the first crack at him." Elfman sat down and set his arm on the table with his open palm extended. "Let's say we break in that recovered arm Natsu."

"Now we're talking!" Natsu yelled loudly. "Let's go buddy!" Natsu slammed his arm on the table and wrapped his hand around Elfman's. The two began trying hard to push the other back.

While the two were arm wrestling. Levy walked into the guild panting very fast.

"Levy? Why are you so out of breath?" Lucy asked the solid-script mage.

"Natsu ran out...of the doctor's...office so fast...couldn't keep up." Levy said panting in between breaths. She was so tired that she face-planted on the ground. It she had stayed conscious, she would probably be lecturing Natsu about not arm wrestling right after getting his cast off.

"Oh Levy." Lucy remarked as she dragged Levy off to recover.

Elfman was slightly dominating in the arm-wrestling power struggle. Natsu was trying hard to push Elfman back, but Elfman was still more muscular. Both mages were now sweating profusely. In an instant, Natsu gave in and Elfman slapped his hand down so hard that it crashed through the table completely shattering it.

Natsu quickly emerged from the rumble and rubbed his right arm. "Damn. This arms needs a good workout. It's probably gotten weak from all the inactivity."

"Don't worry pal. We got just the solution." Elfman grinned after being done with the warm-up. "LET'S GO MEN!"

"Beast Arm: Black Bull!" Elfman's take over magic transformed his right arm into that of a more muscular, black beast's arm.

"Iron Dragon's Club!" Gajeel turned his arm into a long steel club.

"Ice-Make: Battle Axe!" Gray created a large axe out of ice.

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu set his fist ablaze.

The four mages stared each other during ready to strike at any moment. Everyone in the guild was watching them waiting for the chaotic brawl to begin.

Mirajane sighed. "Here we go again."

"Just when I was about to catch up with all of the damage bills to the guild hall." Master Makarov whined with tears flowing down his face in a comical way.

'It's been too long since I've been in one of these.' Natsu thought with his toothy grin.

"MAAAAANNNNNNN!" Elfman swung his beastly arm with his warcry while the other mages released their respective attacks. The four attacks collided in the center and the rest is history.

The Next Morning,

Natsu awoke in a very uncomfortable manner. He is currently laying atop a wooden table with a beer mug as his pillow. Also, He had Wendy laying on top of him providing a soft cushion for her.

'At least she's comfortable.' Natsu thought ah he ran his fingers through the long blue hair of his little sister. Wendy slept happily with a smile on her face knowing she was right by her big brother.

Natsu was grateful that no other Grimoire Heart members tried to attack them while he was recovering. He was so relieved that she didn't get hurt too bad by Akeno's attack. Natsu didn't like the act Akeno committed, but he knew that she did not intend to hurt her. He was a very forgiving person and wasn't known to hold grudges. Still, that incident is a grim reminder that Natsu may not always be able to protect Wendy . He can't always be by her side and what if she gets attacked when she is all alone?

'I wish I could could prevent you from coming in harm's way, but let's face it. There's always gonna be a stronger enemy that will be challenging for me. We will get stronger together. I will train you even harder to prepare you for this cruel world. You've already learned a few of the sky dragon slayer spells at a young age. The stronger you are, the less I will have to worry. One day you will grow from my baby sister into a very powerful dragon slayer just like me.'

Natsu smiled as he began looking towards the future. He wasn't one to get hung up on the past. He looked at his past failures as motivation to get even stronger. It can be scary and exciting at the same time. He had a close call with death, but now has a reason to develop new techniques and learn new attacks. To him, his magic has no boundaries.

Lisanna suddenly walked into the guild hall and noticed Natsu awake.

"Good morning Natsu. Looks like you had a sleepover here with everyone else." Lisanna spoke cheerfully.

Natsu raised an eyebrow at her. He slowly moved Wendy off of him and got up to see many of the members scattered all over the place.

Cana was sleeping in a pile of beer barrels. Juvia was cuddling up next to Gray. Gajeel and Elfman looked really beat up from the large brawl last night, and Erza was face-planted in a piece of strawberry cake on the table.

'Wow. That was one hell of night. Even Erza stuck around the entire time. I think Cana might have broken her record based on her fortress of barrels. Ha! Look at Gray and Juvia. Where's the camera? It's blackmail time!' Natsu thought.

"By the Natsu. Why is there a bird on your head?" Lisanna asked out of curiosity.

"Huh?" Natsu uttered as a white feather floated down in front of his face. He looked up and saw the small white head of a bird perched on top of him. The bird then began pecking vigorously on Natsu's hard noggin.

"Ow! Cut it out you damn woodpecker!" Natsu yelled angrily as he snatched the bird from his head. Natsu examined the bird and noticed a small piece of paper tied to one of it's legs.

"The hell?" Natsu untied the the note and flung the bird off to the side

Lisanna pouted at Natsu in disapproval. "Natsu! Don't hurt the poor birdie."

"Yeah yeah." Natsu replied as he opened up the note and read it.

'Meet at the abandoned shrine in Magnolia.' Natsu read the note in his thoughts. 'Who could have sent... Wait shrine. Could it be her?'

"What does the note say Natsu?"

Natsu quickly got up and ran past Lisanna. "Can't talk. Must answer random bird message. Look after Wendy." He said swiftly as he dashed out of the guild.

"Hey Wait! Get your butt back here and help me clean up this mess!" Lisanna screamed after Natsu remarking the current state of the guild.

Flipped-over tables, broken chairs, and shattered beer mugs littered the floor. There was food smeared on the walls. There was even one of Gajeel's steel clubs stuck in the ceiling.

"Ugh. Why does he always have to rush into things like that. I was hoping he would lose that habit once he became a S-class mage. I bet he did that just to get out of cleaning. I can't do all this by myself. Where's Mira?" Lisanna searched the room for her big sister. She eventually found her passed out underneath the bar.

Lisanna smirked upon a sinister idea. "You're all in for a rude awakening."

Lisanna grabbed two frying pans from the kitchen and started clanging them together.

"Get up you meanies and help me clean up this mess!"

Natsu ran to the other side of town in search of the abandoned shrine. He remembered that it was in a more remote part of Magnolia very close to the forest. After an hour of running around he found the shrine atop a hill with a stone staircase leading up to it.

The shrine had a rooftop covered in black shingles with white panels around the walls and a wooden fence surrounding the structure. Nastu ran up the staircase and slowly opened the sliding the doors to finding two figures hidden in blue cloaks kneeling at a small wooden table.

"I see you got my message." A familiar voice spoke from one of the cloaked figures.

Natsu smirked upon realization. "I knew it was you."

Both figures took off their cloaks to reveal Akeno and Meredy.

"Hi there." Akeno giggled and smiled at Natsu while Meredy kept a serious expression.

"I have to say I'm surprised to see you here so soon. I guess you meant it when you said you wanted to see me again." Natsu replied.

"You bet. After how you helped me. How could I not?"

"By the way. Who's the new girl?" Natsu pointed at the pink-haired girl.

"She's my partner that joined me in leaving Grimoire Heart."

"I have a name!" Meredy exclaimed

"I was getting to that. calm down."

"Her name is Meredy." Akeno announced. "Please sit down." Akeno pointed to one of the cushions by the table.

Natsu started walking towards the table but stopped when he heard the sound of his stomach grumbling. Akeno giggled as he clutched his stomach in embarrasment.

"Sorry. I didn't have breakfast yet. You couldn't have asked me to meet you at a restaurant?"

"No. Unfortunately we have to remain hidden. We may be disbanded from Grimoire Heart, but the Magic Council knows who we are. If we are spotted the council will likely hunt us down and put us in prison."

"I see. In that case, how about I run out and bring us back some food. If you guys are out on the run, I would imagine you must be starving."

"That sounds great. We really appreciate it."

"Be right back." Natsu said as he ran out of the shrine.

Once he was gone Meredy gave Akeno a piece of her mind. "Why didn't you me tell your friend was the fire dragon slayer! Why is he your friend in the first place! Of all the people you could have asked, it had to be him!"

"What other people? We don't have any other connections. I didn't force you to come with me." Akeno replied in an annoyed tone.

"Yeah, but I didn't think life on the run would this hard. It's hard to make a new life when you have to remain hidden the whole time."

"I admit. I didn't really think this through, but I couldn't stand being in that guild any longer. We'll figure something out eventually.

Meredy looked at Akeno with a serious expression. "When I asked why you wanted to quit the guild, you said a friend helped you realize that. Were you referring to the fire dragon slayer?

"Yes and his name is Natsu!" Akeno said defensively not liking the way Meredy was speaking of Natsu.

Meredy looked at her strangely. "How did you get so close to him. He was just some target. If you failed the mission again, doesn't that mean he defeated you again."

"Not exactly."

"Explain." Meredy demanded

"I managed to defeat him and I was about to finish him off...but I couldn't do it.

Meredy gasped at the realization. Akeno had never brought up what actually happened. "Why?!"

"It's true that he did fight against me, but it seemed like he was also trying to save me at the same time. When he let me live the first time, he was concerned because I was crying. He could tell I was suffering and he wanted to help me. I couldn't kill him after what he's done for me. Even though I nearly killed him and hurt his little sister, he was still willing to forgive me. That is why I wanted to see him again. I know that we can trust him." Akeno smiled remembering the last time she was with Natsu at this shrine.

Meredy was astounded. She never expected Akeno to form this kind of relationship with Natsu after she was so determined to kill him. She wasn't ready to trust him, but Akeno was right. They didn't have anyone else to talk to.

"I still don't like this, but I will go along with it for now. I hope you know what you are doing."

"Thanks Meredy. You won't regret it."

"You know I was wondering how you escaped from him again since I assumed he defeated you twice. I just assumed you caught him off guard by seducing him with those things." Meredy teased Akeno while pointing at her giant breasts.

Akeno frowned at Meredy. "Very funny. I did have to sed...okay maybe I did, but it was unintentional and it wasn't to save my life."

"Interesting." Meredy smirked at Akeno.

"Oh you think you're so clever."

Natsu, Akeno, and Meredy were sitting down at the small wooden table. Natsu watched in awe as Akeno and Meredy wolfed down the food he had brought them. They had been on the run for a month and have a had a hard time finding food.

'Did they just ask me to come so I could bring them food.' Natsu thought in annoyance.

"Thanks for treating us Natsu. We really appreciate it." Akeno thanked Natsu as she bowed before him.

Natsu smiled at her. "Sure thing. Glad I could help." Natsu thought he was too nice for own good at times, but then he remembered how much she has suffered. Deep down he really did want to see Akeno again. It was bad enough how she was treated before, but now she has to live her life in hiding. He wished there was a way to help her predicament. The Master's good heart really has rubbed off on Natsu.

"So you actually stood up to your "so-called" father. How did it feel?" Natsu asked Akeno.

"I felt more powerful than I ever have in my life. It felt like the passion and confidence I felt made my magic even stronger as it poured out of my body. I feel like that there's power in me that's always been contained and it was just released when I finally stood up to him." Akeno said strongly.

Natsu smirked her in because he knew exactly what she was talking about. "I understand what you mean. You felt so much stronger because you expressed openly how you felt." Akeno looked at him in wonderment.

"What do you mean by that."

Meredy was curious as well. "Yes. Please elaborate."

"I mean that when you keep your emotions bottled it the same goes for your magic. Your magic is part of who you are and it reflects how you feel. That's why my flames grow so much stronger with my passion and anger. If you doubt yourself or feel insecure, you will never know your true potential."

Akeno really thought about Natsu's words.

"Could I really become stronger? Could my doubt and fear have been holding me back? He's right!" Akeno recalled how much weaker she felt when she was scared of Natsu's flames, but when she felt angry her power rose exponentially. She has doubted herself a lot and felt insecure for a long time with how Zancrow has been abusing her physically and verbally.

"You are a surprisingly wise person. I did not expect this from you." Meredy said to Natsu emotionless.

"Um...thanks." Natsu replied. 'I think I was complimented and insulted at the same time.' He thought.

"Yes. You really have a way with words." Akeno said.

"I try...Anyways I'm glad you were able to stand up to him. You must have been very courageous to do that. In fact, both of you are very brave for abandoning the place you called home to venture out with just the two of you. I understand it must be difficult to live your lives in hiding."

"Yes. In fact. it's probably best that we don't stay here too long. We have to keep moving or else people may catch on to us." Akeno said

"Oh. I see. Will I see you again?"

Akeno frowned. "I don't know. I want to keep seeing you, but I didn't think how hard it would be to live life outside of the guild. I don't want to get you into any trouble."

"It's alright. I don't regret helping you. I just wish there was a way I could help you more. You really think the council will punish you that badly?"

"Most likely. It's true that me and Meredy have just recently become part of the elite Seven Kin of Purgatory, but our names are now out there."

"Akeno is correct." Meredy interjected. "During our time as part of the Seven Kin we were asked to perform raids on certain towns for our missions. We have done things I am not proud of."

Natsu looked grim. "Does that mean I wouldn't have been your first time taking a life?"

"Yes. We both had to kill people during those raids. I didn't think anything of it before, but I feel awful now knowing that I did it for that awful man. I may have just been following his orders, but I still had a choice." Akeno said quietly.

"I'm sorry. I will try to offer you advice, but I wouldn't have any experience. I think that if you're feeling that awful it may not be such a bad thing."

"What are you talking about? Why would this feeling be of any good to me. I've killed people and thought nothing of it. I must be a terrible person. I deserve to be in jail." Akeno said in between sobs.

"If you think you don't care about the people you killed then why are you crying?" Akeno looked at Natsu with interest.

"I told you that I hate to see people cry. I don't like because it probably means that you're suffering. If you're feeling awful what you did, then you obviously cared for the people you killed. The world can be a cruel place at times. You can't bring any of those people back, but you know what you did was wrong. You were just doing what you thought was right."

"You really mean that?"

"Of course. It doesn't change my opinion of you at all. Don't you dare call yourself a terrible person." Natsu said firmly.

Akeno began to smile and blush lightly. "I'm glad I came to see you again. You have such a big heart and you say such sweet things. I just wish you could convince the council to forgive us."

Natsu's eyes suddenly shot open. "That's it!"

"Huh?" Both Akeno and Meredy said surprised by Natsu's outburst of excitement.

"Maybe I could convince the council to forgive you. I usually haven't been on the best terms with the council myself, but recently I have taking a lot of helpful jobs. Also, I played a big part in helping take down the Oracion Seis. The council was so grateful that they offered me one favor.

"I remember that. You helped defeat the Oracion Seis?" Meredy was astounded.

"Sure did."

"You could actually get the council to let us roam freely?" Akeno asked.

"It's possible, but I will only do it if you guys promise to join Fairy Tail."

Akeno couldn't believe what he just asked. He actually trusted them enough to be apart of his own guild. She could actually get to be with him.

"Why would you want us to be apart of your guild?" Meredy asked suspiciously.

"I think Fairy Tail would be the best home for anybody. There you will be surrounded by a lot of friendly and supporting people. We treat everybody like a part of the Fairy Tail family. It's the perfect place for you to begin a new life."

"But you barely even know us. In fact you just met me." Meredy pointed out.

"Exactly. What better way to get to know you that have you join our guild. I trust Akeno enough so I should give you a chance since you two are friends."

Natsu stood up and extended his hand. "What do you say?" He asked with a welcoming smile.

Akeno stared at Natsu's hand for a while . The man she had tried to kill twice was now going out of his way to help her and Meredy. He had complete faith in them even though they have only met a few times. She could start over again, make new friends and atone for what she has done. Akeno hadn't felt this happy in a long time. She couldn't find any words to say how grateful she was so she did the next best thing.

Akeno completely avoided Natsu's hand and instead wrapped her whole arms around his muscular body with tears coming down her eyes. Natsu didn't mind these tears because he knew they were in happiness.

"I guess... I will take that as a yes." Natsu said nervously feeling his face heat up as well.

"Please. Don't say anything. Just let me stay like this for a while." Akeno said as she brought Natsu back down and leaned against his chest with her eyes shut. Natsu returned the embrace to comfort her as well.

"Um...you guys know I'm still here right?" Meredy put in awkwardly.

The story is really rolling now. Where will things go from here?

Review Responses:

Reaper495: Thanks. I'm really glad that you are enjoying it.

ValinNight: Hope you were satisfied with how the two reunited.

amvman52: Thanks a bunch mate!

fangs of death: Glad that you are still enjoying it.

InTheLifeOfJake: I was planning on only doing a Fairy Tail fanfic after this, but I'm open to other ideas. That is an awesome catchphrase! It may seem slow right now, but they're relationship will start to progress faster.

god's executioner REBORN: It's a little late to add that in and that sounds like a large team. Though, you will see Laxus and Gajeel in battle later on (not against each other).

Review/Favorite/Follow

See you guys next time!